Accessing sexualized violence services and supports: Exploring the perspectives of women living in rural places

Abstract

Many women face significant barriers accessing formal services and informal supports after experiencing sexualized violence, including victim blaming, stigma, and fear of a traumatic experience. There is little research, however, on the experiences of women living in rural places who are accessing sexualized violence services and supports. The purpose of this study was to understand the formal and informal services and supports women living in rural Nova Scotia (NS) wanted to access/accessed following an experience of sexualized violence, as well as services they think are needed. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 9 women. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Women shared experiences of navigating a fragmented system of services and supports and identified several barriers and facilitators to access. Women also made suggestions to improve access in rural places. Findings from this study will contribute to the existing literature and may inform future service and support development in rural places.